Handurawan highlights Koronadal’s 80th Foundation Day
The City of Koronadal marks its 80th foundation anniversary with a sterling rendition of artistic performances dubbed as Pyesta Kolon Datal Handurawan Grand Rites on January 10, 2020 at South Cotabato Sports Complex, City of Koronadal.
Better than the best that had been staged in the past, this year’s Handurawan is a combination of a live show and an independent film starred and directed by local artists. Bringing the spectators in a fun, romantic, heartbreaking, emotional and moving experience, the said show also hopes to stir the people’s appreciation of the city’s rich history, heritage and reverence to the local heroes for their sacrifices and act of valor.
The celebration started with a civic-military foot parade participated in by hundreds of individuals from all walks. Bands from the city’s public elementary schools paraded along the city’s main thoroughfares which added pomp to the occasion. The city officials led the city government contingents, meanwhile participants from the different national line agencies, officials of the 27 barangays, public and private schools, civic groups, organizations and business sector carried group banners, streamers and flaglets which they raised and waved as they walk along the streets towards the South Cotabato Sports Complex.
As Guest Speaker, Sec. Silvestre H. Bello III of the Department of Labor and Employment graced the occasion. In his message, Bello highlighted the city’s important milestone and the essence why Koronadaleños should celebrate them. “In times of hardship, remember the Province of South Cotabato from being a very young province, that has attained phenomenal progress especially the City of Koronadal. Such progress could be contributed to the ingenuity of development schemes plan that are translated into tangible realities” Bello said.
On the other hand, Guest Speaker NCCA Executive Director Al Ryan S. Alejandre represented by Mr. Rene S. Napeñas, Head of the Public Affairs and Information and Media Director emphasized in his speech that 80 years is truly a milestone worth celebrating, and it is but an act of giving reverence to its roots. He said that it is important to look into the history and Hinugyaw is all about that. “We are celebrating Hinugyaw to highlight our oneness origins, now more than ever, we need to ground ourselves and find our roots in order to have a better foundation for the kind of holistic development that Koronadal as a city seek to achieve. Para po sa ating mga millennials, mahalin po natin ang ating kultura sapagkat ito ang kaluluwa ng ating bayan”, Napeñas challenged the people.
On the other hand, one of the Guest Speakers, 2nd District Congressman and Deputy Speaker for Mindanao Ferdinand L. Hernandez said in his message “If you look at how the city evolve as a very progressive city. If you look at the Regional Center from the time, I assumed office as your representative halos napuno na po ng buildings, ng mga national agencies ang regional center and I will make sure that in 9 years as your representative we will ensure that all agencies will settle in the City of Koronadal”. Also, the congressman shared their plans on how to enhance the economic activity of the city with the unwavering trust of the people in achieving the latter.
Meanwhile, City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena conveyed his dreams for the city. “Ang bagong Koronadal ay bagong pamamahala, bagong umpisa, bagong programa na mararamdaman ng masa. Bagong lider na ang sentro ng panunungkulan ay oportunidad at kapakanan ng lahat ng kababayan”, the Mayor said. Also the Mayor shared that his administration is historic, “Ngayon lamang nangyari na sa loob ng anim na buwan, nakalikom ng 181 Million at ngayon nagdadagdagan pa ng 5 Milyon mula sa ibat-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan”, Mayor Ogena addressed.
The celebration in general collectively concretized the spirit of the Festival theme ”One People. One Big Dream. One Koronadal”.
The weeklong-long celebration of Hinugyaw ended with a mesmerizing fireworks display and more partying with celebrities and live bands.
Meanwhile, Koronadal City was created on January 10, 1940 under Commonwealth Act No. 141 as Marbel Settlement District.
It became a municipality of South Cotabato on August 18, 1947 by virtue of an executive order signed by Pres. Manuel Roxas.
On August 16, 2000, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada signed into law Republic Act No. 8803 creating the City of Koronadal, a component city of South Cotabato. This was ratified through a plebiscite on October 8, 2000.